High heeled shoes supporting natural gait

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a high heeled shoe 1 having a forefoot section 5, an arch section 7 and a heel section 6, the high heeled shoe 1 comprising a constructive sole 2, a heel 8, directly or indirectly attached to a lower surface 3 of the heel section 6 of the constructive sole 2; an upper part 9, attached to the constructive sole 2 such that the upper part 9 and the constructive sole 2 together form an enclosure configured to receive and hold a foot in a specific configuration and an insole 10 comprising auxetic material.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to high heeled shoes, more particularly tohigh heeled shoes with increased comfort and support compared toconventional high heeled shoes. Furthermore, the high heeled shoes ofthe present invention support natural gait and increase balance. Theeffects are obtained by the specific configuration and use of materialsin the high heeled shoes of the present invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wearing of high heeled shoes in modern society is associated withfashion and professionalism. From tiny kitten heels and sky-highstilettos to pumps and sling backs, high heels are one of the staples ofany woman's wardrobe. However, the wearing of high heeled shoes has manynegative effects on the wearer, especially when worn periodically overmany years.

Most of the problems arising from wearing high heeled shoes are causedby the shift of pressure from the heel to the forefoot, especially theincreased pressure on the toes and metarsasal bones. Furthermore, highheeled shoes often have small and/or triangular toe-boxes that squeezethe toes together and prevent them from performing their naturalfunction. When the big toe is abducted away from the second toe, it isat a strong mechanical position. However, long-term use of high heelscan cause the big toes to become misaligned, termed hallux valgus.Without a correctly functioning big toe, the center of gravity isdisplaced and the static balance is compromised resulting in the bodyautomatically compensating for balancing and damping shocks.Furthermore, if the big toes are misaligned, the foot can shift thedirection of bodyweight from the sagittal plane onto the frontal ortransverse plane, leading to a host of injuries.

Even though it is well known that high heels may cause permanent footproblems, that does not stop women from wearing them. Over time,cartilage and tissues around the joints at the hips, knees and big toeswill be destroyed, also called osteoarthritis. When the big toe isdestroyed (also called bunions), women experience difficulty walking andonce the injury has occurred, one foot injury comes after the other.Other symptoms include hammertoe, flat feet, ingrown nails, shortenedcalf muscles, Morton's Neurom and Metatarsalgia.

As society constrains often necessitate the wearing of high heels, ahigh heeled shoe with increased comfort and support would beadvantageous. Furthermore, a high heeled shoe with decreased negativeeffects would be advantageous.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an alternative to theprior art.

In particular, it may be seen as a further object of the presentinvention to provide a high heeled shoe that wholly or partly overcomesthe above disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the above-described object and several other objects are intendedto be obtained in a first aspect of the invention by providing a highheeled shoe comprising a constructive sole, a heel, an upper part, andan insole, wherein the insole comprises auxetic material.

The auxetic material of the insole should be designed to have a negativePoisson's ratio. The auxetic material of the insole is thus configuredsuch that when pressure is applied on the auxetic areas of the insole,it does not thin, but becomes thicker or at least keep the samethickness in that area. In other words, auxetics are structures ormaterials that have a negative Poisson's ratio so that when stretched,they become thicker perpendicular to the applied force. This behavior isdue to their particular internal structure and the way this deforms whenthe sample is uniaxially loaded. Auxetics can be single molecules,crystals, or a particular structure of macroscopic matter. The auxeticstructure may e.g. be obtained by a special cutting pattern, referred toas “auxetic cutting” in the following, providing the propertiesresulting from the negative Poisson's ratio.

The high heeled shoe of the present invention is defined by a forefootsection, a heel section and an arch section between the forefoot sectionand the heel section. Furthermore, the forefoot section comprises atoe-section. The constructive sole, the upper part, the insole and theoutsole are each defined by such sections as well. Each of theseelements has an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface isthe surface which is configured to turn upwardly when the shoe is placedin a natural position (ready for walking) on a horizontal floor and thelower surface is opposite the upper surface.

The constructive sole is the backbone of the high heeled shoe. An uppersurface of the constructive sole is configured to be in indirectcontact, through the insole, with the surface beneath the feet of auser.

The shape of the constructive sole depends on the desired design of theshoe, but as the purpose of a high heeled shoe, as the name imply, is toelevate the heel of a foot, the constructive sole has a forefoot sectionconfigured to be indirectly in contact with the ground in use and tosupport the forefoot of a user and a heel section elevated to a desiredlevel above the ground configured to support the heel of a foot of auser. More particularly, a lower surface of a forefoot section of theconstructive sole is configured to be indirectly in contact with theground in use. Furthermore, an upper surface of the forefoot section isconfigured to support a forefoot of a user. An upper surface of the heelsection of the constructive sole is configured to support a heel of auser and is configured to be elevated from the ground in use.Furthermore, the constructive sole have an arch section connecting theforefoot section and the elevated heel section.

Normally, the constructive sole is made from a hard and/or stiff and/ornon-elastic material such as cardboard or wood or the like, sufficientto withstand the pressure applied to it when in use. The constructivesole preferably also comprise a shank, such as a metal shank at theupper surface of the constructive sole. The shank may be a part of thesupportive structure.

In some embodiments, the constructive sole is cut at least once in asubstantially longitudinal direction at the forefoot section, whereinthe at least one cut is configured to allow the constructive sole tospread around the cut when pressure is applied on the forefoot section.Alternatively or in combination therewith, the constructive sole may beprovided with auxetic cutting to ensure the possibility to spread out inresponse to the applied pressure.

//Upper Part//

A high heeled shoe according to the present invention may be closed,open in the toe section or have several upper parts covering only smallareas of a foot, such as a high heeled sandal. Thus, the upper part ofthe high heeled shoe may be one piece or several pieces together formingthe upper part.

The upper part is attached to the constructive sole such that the upperpart and the constructive sole together form an enclosure configured toreceive and hold a foot in a specific configuration.

//Heel//

The heel is directly or indirectly attached to a lower surface of theheel section of the constructive sole. In some embodiments, the highheeled shoe of the present invention comprises an outsole and the heelis attached to the heel section of the outsole.

Many shoes have a heel height between 0.5-2 cm. Herein, high heeledshoes are defined as shoes with a heel of at least 3 cm.

The height, thickness and form of the heel may vary among designs.

//Insole//

The insole is provided on top of the constructive sole, to provide asofter contact area between the high heeled shoe and the foot. In someembodiments of the present invention, the insole is arranged on an uppersurface of the constructive sole and configured to be directly orindirectly (through a sock of a user) in contact with a foot of a user.

In some embodiments, the insole is an integrated part of the high heeledshoe and can not be removed. In other embodiments, the insole can betaken out of the high heeled shoe and replaced with another insole. Theinsole may cover the whole constructive sole or only be arranged atspecific areas in need of extra support or cushioning.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the insole comprisesseveral layers, including at least a first layer and a second layer.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the first layer of theinsole is configured to cover the whole upper surface of theconstructive sole.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the first layer of theinsole only comprises auxetic material at one or more specific auxeticareas and the remaining of the first layer comprises or consists ofanother suitable material, such as Poron®. Poron® is a microcellularurethane foam with extremely low compression set.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the second layer of theinsole is arranged on top of the first layer and is made from amaterial, such as leather, having a thickness of less than 0.2 cm, suchas 0.1 cm. The second layer is configured to be in contact with a user'sfoot.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the one or more specificareas comprising auxetic material include:

-   -   a first auxetic area arranged at an upper surface of the        forefoot section of the constructive sole such that it is        configured to support an area between metatarsal bones and        phalanges of a foot; and/or    -   a second auxetic area arranged at an upper surface of the arch        section of the constructive sole such that it is configured to        support the metatarsal pad of the foot; and/or    -   a third auxetic area arranged at an upper surface of the heel        section of the constructive sole, having a circular or        elliptical shape and configured to support a heel of a user.

These areas are where most pressure will be applied when the high heeledshoe of the present invention is in use. A high heeled shoe having aninsole comprising auxetic material in the auxetic areas is advantageous,as it provides both comfort and support to a user. Due to the specificproperties of auxetic material, the insole provides cushioning but doesnot thin when pressure is applied to it.

Preferably, the third auxetic area has a smallest diameter between 3-5cm and a largest diameter between 4-7 cm. The auxetic area may e.g. becircular or elliptic.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the insole have athickness of between 0.3 cm and 1 cm and comprise pillow-like areasprotruding from the first layer of the insole.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the pillow-like areascomprise a first pillow-like area arranged on the upper surface of theforefoot section of the first layer of the insole, shaped such that itis configured to support an area between metatarsal bones and phalangesof a foot.

Since a lot of force is placed on the forefoot, especially in the areabetween the metatarsal bones and the phalanges, when people are walkingin high heels, the first pillow-like area of the insole is arranged inthe forefoot section, such that this area is supported by the firstpillow-like area when weight is placed on the forefoot.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the first auxetic areacomprises the first pillow-like area. Due to the properties of auxeticmaterial, the second auxetic area “absorb”, i.e. take-up, the forceapplied to it without thinning/sinking like other materials, thuskeeping the supporting effect.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the pillow-like areascomprise a second pillow-like area arranged on the upper surface of thearch section of the insole, shaped such that it is configured to supportthe metatarsal pad of the foot and lift it slightly in that area, suchthat the weight of a user is directed from the forefoot section towardsthe heel section.

The second pillow-like area is configured to redistribute some of thepressure from the forefoot/middle section to the heel section. Thesecond pillow-like area is preferably arranged to support the lower partof the arch, such as the metartasal pad.

In some embodiments, the second auxetic area comprises the secondpillow-like area. In such embodiments, due to the properties of auxeticmaterial, the second pillow-like area “absorb” the force applied to itwithout thinning/sinking like other materials, thus keeping thesupporting effect. As the second pillow-like area is configured todirect the weight of a user from the forefoot section towards the heelsection of the high heeled shoe, it is particularly advantageous thatthis area comprises auxetic material.

Preferably, the maximum height of each pillow-like area from the uppersurface of the insole is at most 1.0 cm, such as 0.5 cm, such as 0.3 cm.

Preferably, the second layer of the insole is fitted over the firstlayer, when the first layer has been formed as desired, withprotrusions, indentations etc. Preferably, the second layer covers thewhole of the first layer, including areas comprising auxetic material aswell as areas comprising other material.

In some embodiments, the first and/or second auxetic area extend throughthe whole thickness of the first layer of the insole and furtherprotrude from the first layer of the insole as the first and secondpillow-like areas. In other embodiments, the first and/or second auxeticarea are arranged in a first layer and covered by the other materialbeing part of the first layer, wherein this other material also form thefirst and second pillow-like areas.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the first auxetic area andthe second auxetic area are joined by a joining auxetic area to form ajoined area comprising auxetic material. In other embodiments, the firstauxetic area, the second auxetic area and the third auxetic area arejoined by two joining auxetic areas to form a joined area comprisingauxetic material.

Normally, the toes spread when the body weight of a user is shifted fromthe heels to the forefoot. However, as most high heeled shoes containsmall toe-boxes, the toes are not allowed to spread but are squeezedtogether in an unnatural configuration. A result is that balance iscompromised for the user.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the insole furthercomprises auxetic cutting in a toe-section of the forefoot section.Preferably, the auxetic cutting extends through all layers of the insoleand is configured to allow the toe-section of the insole to extend in atleast one direction, such as two directions, when pressure is applied onthe forefoot section.

This configuration is advantageous, as the auxetic cutting allows thetoes to spread when body weight is shifted to the forefoot and force isapplied to the toe-section of the insole comprising auxetic cutting.Thus, a high heeled shoe of the present invention has an increasedflexibility in the toe-section compared to other high heeled shoes.

Preferably, the auxetic cutting is configured such that the insole canexpand at least 0.2 cm or more, such as 0.5 cm or more, but not morethan 1.5 cm, preferably not more than 1 cm.

Importantly, the auxetic material of the insole should not be present inthe toe section of the forefoot section where the auxetic cutting isarranged, as this would oppose the technical effect of the auxeticcutting, namely spreading of the material when pressure is applied inthe toe section.

//Indentation in Heel Section of Insole//

In some embodiments of the present invention, the heel section of theinsole has an indentation with a circular or elliptical cross-section.In some embodiments, the indentation has a maximum depth of 0.2-0.8 cm,a smallest diameter between 3-5 cm, and a largest diameter between 4-7cm.

The indentation is configured to lower the heel of a user into a morenatural position. Furthermore, the indentation has a supporting effect,as it is configured to support the ball of the heel and spread the forcein that area.

//Outsole//

In some embodiments of the present invention, the high heeled shoefurther comprises an outsole arranged on the lower surface of theconstructive sole, covering it either partly or fully, and wherein aforefoot section of the outsole comprises auxetic cutting 30 identicalto the auxetic cutting in the insole, and being configured to allow theforefoot section of the outsole to extend in at least one direction,such as two directions, when pressure is applied on the forefootsection.

The outsole preferably has a thickness of between 2 mm-5 mm, such as 3mm. The outsole may be made from material such as thermoplasticelastomers/rubbers (TPR), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU),ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), also known as poly (ethylene-vinylacetate) (PEVA).

Importantly, the auxetic cutting should be arranged such that it issimilar or identical between the insole and the outsole, such that theyboth expand to the same extent. Further information about the auxeticcutting is given below.

In some embodiments, the outsole is only arranged at the forefootsection of the constructive sole and comprises auxetic cutting at theforefoot section in a specific area configured to allow the area of theoutsole to extend in at least one direction, such as in two directions,when pressure is applied on the forefoot section.

In some embodiments, the auxetic cutting extends through the wholethickness of the outsole. However, in some embodiments, the auxeticcutting does not extend through the whole thickness of the outsole, butonly 1-4 mm, such that 1 mm or 0.5 mm closest to the upper surface ofthe outsole does not have auxetic cutting. In this way, the outsole iswaterproof.

//Plateau//

In some embodiments of the present invention, the high heeled shoefurther comprises a plateau arranged at a lower surface of the outsoleat the forefoot section, the plateau comprising auxetic cutting goingthrough both the plateau as well as the outsole.

//Shape//

A high heeled shoe according to the present invention is preferably aclosed, pointed high heeled shoe.

The forefoot section of the constructive sole together with the upperpart of the high heeled shoe attached to the forefoot section togetherdefine a toe-box, wherein the high heeled shoe has a pointed toe boxwith a specific shape configured for allowing the toes to spread whenpressure is placed on the forefoot.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a longitudinal axisextends through the high heeled shoe, such that the heel section and thearch section of the high heeled shoe is divided into two substantiallysymmetrical parts by the longitudinal axis, wherein at least part of afirst outer edge of the toe-section of the constructivesole/insole/outsole extends in a direction which is parallel to orextends away from the longitudinal axis and at least part of a secondouter edge of the toe-section of the constructive sole/insole/outsoleextends towards the longitudinal axis and across the longitudinal axisto meet with the first outer edge to form a pointed tip, wherein thefirst outer edge is the outer edge configured to be closest to the bigtoe.

In some embodiments, the first outer edge is substantially straight inat least ⅔ of the length of the first outer edge of the forefoot sectionclosest to the pointed tip

The shape of the high heeled shoe of the present invention isadvantageous, as it does not force the big toe towards the other toeslike most existing pointed high heeled shoes do. Furthermore, the shapeallows the toes to spread when weight is directed onto the forefoot andthe toes. This is important for the balance of the user and does notdamage the toes to the same extent as normal pointed high heeled shoes.

Definitions Auxetic Material

The term “auxetic material” as used herein generally refers to amaterial or structure that has a negative Poisson's ratio.

Auxetic material exhibits an unexpected behavior when subjected tomechanical stress and/or strains. An insole of the present inventioncomprises auxetic material configured such that when pressure is appliedto the area comprising auxetic material, instead of thinning, it becomesthicker or at least keeps the same thickness in the axis where pressureis applied.

The auxetic material of the insole is preferably auxetic foam. Theauxetic material may be made from different materials, such as polymermaterials exhibiting sufficient flexibility and elastomeric properties.The auxetic properties can be induced in a particular material by meansof altering its internal (micro)structure and making it properlycooperate with the way the material deforms when loaded. This is done bymeans of modifying and geometrically fine-tuning it. The skilled personwould be able to make auxetic material with the required properties,namely that it does not thin significantly when pressure is applied.

Auxetic cutting herein refers to a specific cutting pattern in anelement, which allows the element to expand in size when pressure isapplied to the auxetic cutting area. Thus, the high heeled shoe of thepresent invention has an increased flexibility in the toe-sectioncompared to other high heeled shoes. This is done by means of modifyingand geometrically fine-tuning it. The skilled person would be able tomake auxetic cutting with the required properties, namely that the areacomprising auxetic cutting expand when pressure is applied to it.

Sections of the High Heeled Shoe

The high heeled shoe of the present invention is defined by sections todescribe where and how the different elements are arranged relative toeach other.

The sections are defined by vertical planes dividing the shoe into atleast three sections: the forefoot section, the arch section and theheel section.

Thus, the constructive sole, insole, outsole and upper part eachcomprises a forefoot section, an arch section and a heel section. Thesections of the high heeled shoe are herein defined relative to theconstructive sole.

The forefoot section of the constructive sole of the present inventionis the section which is configured to be indirectly in contact with theground in use, separated from the ground by the outsole and optionallyalso a plateau.

The heel section is the section of the high heeled shoe configured tosupport the heel. The size of the heel section varies with the size ofthe shoe, but is herein defined as at least 5 cm of the constructivesole, measured along the longitudinal axis, from an outer edge of theconstructive sole, which is configured to be elevated from the ground inuse.

The arch section is defined as the area between the forefoot section andheel section.

The toe-section is part of the forefoot section and may cover most ofthe forefoot section. However, preferably the toe-section is at least 2cm away from the arch section.

Directly Vs. Indirectly

By “indirect contact” is meant, that the contact area may be separatedby another layer or sole, such as an insole, a protective layer, anoutsole, etc.

“Directly in contact” means directly in contact with the foot of a useror at least a sock on a foot of a user.

The different embodiments of the present invention may each be combinedwith any of the embodiments. These and other aspects of the inventionwill be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodimentsdescribed hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The high heeled shoe according to the present invention will now bedescribed in more detail with regard to the accompanying figures. Thefigures show one way of implementing the present invention and is not tobe construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments fallingwithin the scope of the attached claim set.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of a high heeledshoe according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a high heeled shoe according to anembodiment of the present invention, shown from different views;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an insole according to severaldifferent embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an insole according to anembodiment of the present invention, shown from different views;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an outsole according to anembodiment of the present invention, with and without a plateau.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of theshape of the high heeled shoe of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

Reference is made to FIGS. 1 and 2, showing an embodiment of a highheeled shoe 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the highheeled shoe 1 in an exploded view, while FIG. 2 shows three-dimensionalviews of the high heeled shoe from different angles.

FIG. 2A shows a high heeled shoe 1 from a top view, FIG. 2B shows a highheeled shoe 1 from a front view, FIG. 2C shows a high heeled shoe 1 froma back view and FIG. 2D shows a high heeled shoe 1 from a side view.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2D, a high heeled shoe 1 according to thepresent invention have a forefoot section 5 comprising a toe-section 19,an arch section 7 and a heel section 6. These sections are used in thepresent application to describe sections of the different elements ofthe present invention.

The high heeled shoe 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a constructive sole 2,an insole 10, an outsole 17, a plateau 22, a heel 8 and an upper part 9.

The constructive sole 2 is the backbone of the high heeled shoe,determining the height and ground shape of a the final shoe. As shown inFIG. 1, the constructive sole may be provided with a longitudinal cutalong a part of the length. Such a longitudinal cut has been found toimprove the advantageous load distribution properties of at least someembodiments of a high heeled shoe according to the present invention.The load distribution properties may also be influenced by providing theconstructive sole with more such longitudinal cuts; e.g. two parallellongitudinal cuts at a distange from the edge of the constructive sole.As mentioned above, the constructive sole may also be provided withauxetic cutting. This auxetic cutting has been left out in FIG. 1 tomore clearly show the longitudinal cut in the constructive sole.However, it could look as what is shown for the other parts in FIG. 1.

The upper part 9 is attached to the constructive sole 2 such that theupper part 9 and the constructive sole 2 together form an enclosureconfigured to receive and hold a foot in a specific configuration.Preferably, the high heeled shoe 1 of the present invention is closedwith a pointed tip, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

A heel 8 of the high heeled shoe 1 is attached to a lower surface of theheel section 6 of an outsole 17 provided on the lower surface of theconstructive sole 2.

Importantly, the high heeled shoe 1 of the present invention comprisesan insole 10 comprising auxetic material. The insole 10 is configured tobe arranged on an upper surface of the constructive sole 2.

Reference is made to FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrating several embodiments ofan insole according to the present invention.

FIG. 3C shows a three-dimensional view of an insole 10 according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention, without showing whichelements the insole 10 is made from.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3D show an exploded views of different embodiments ofan insole 10 according to the present invention, which when assembled,all will look as the insole 10 shown in FIG. 3C from that angle, butwill look different from a bottom view.

The insoles 10 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 all comprise a first layer14 and a second layer 15. The first layer 14 of the insole 10 isconfigured to cover the hole upper surface 4 of the constructive sole 2and only comprise auxetic material at one or more auxetic areas 11, 12,13. The second layer 15 is arranged on top of the first layer 14 and ismade from a thin sheet of hardwearing material, such as leather.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the insole comprisethree auxetic areas 11, 12, 13.

A first auxetic area 11 is arranged at an upper surface of the forefootsection 5 of the constructive sole 2 and is configured to support anarea between metatarsal bones and phalanges of a foot.

A second auxetic area 12 is arranged at an upper surface of the archsection 7 of the constructive sole 2 and is configured to support themetatarsal pad of a foot.

A third auxetic area 13 is arranged at an upper surface of the heelsection 6 of the constructive sole 2. The third auxetic area preferablyhas a circular or elliptical shape and is configured to support a heelof a user.

In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, 3D and FIG. 4, thefirst auxetic area 11 and the second auxetic area 12 are joined to forma joined auxetic area 28/11+12. In some embodiments, the first auxeticarea 11, the second auxetic area 12 and the third auxetic area 13 couldbe joined to form a larger joined auxetic area 28/11+12+13.

The insole 10 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 further comprises pillow-likeareas 23, 24 protruding from the first layer 14 of the insole 2. A firstpillow-like area 23 is arranged on the upper surface 4 of the forefootsection 5 of the insole 10, shaped such that it is configured to supportan area between metatarsal bones and phalanges of a foot. The secondpillow-like area 24 is arranged on the upper surface 4 of the archsection 7 of the insole 10, shaped such that it is configured to supportthe metatarsal pad of the foot and lift it slightly in that area, suchthat the weight of a user is directed from the forefoot section 5towards the heel section 7.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the firstauxetic area 11 comprises the first pillow-like area 23 and the secondauxetic area 12 comprises the second pillow-like area 24. In suchembodiments, the other material of the first layer does not extend over,but only around the first and second auxetic areas 12, 13. The secondlayer is a thin layer of leather glued on top of the first layer. Thus,the second layer will just fit over the shape of the first layer.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3D, the pillow-like areasare not made from auxetic material, but is made from the other materialof the first layer. In such embodiments, the other material extends overthe areas comprising auxetic material as shown in FIG. 3D.

FIG. 4 shows an insole 10 similar to that shown in FIG. 3A or FIG. 3Dwhere the first auxetic area 11 and the second auxetic area 12 arejoined to form a joined auxetic area 28. FIG. 4A shows a bottom view ofthe insole 10, FIG. 4B shows a front view of the insole 10, FIG. 4Cshows a back view of the insole 10, FIG. 4D shows a side view of theinsole and FIG. 4E shoes a three-dimensional view.

The insoles 10 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 further comprise auxetic cutting18 in a toe-section 19 of the forefoot section 5. The auxetic cutting 18extends through all layers 14, 15 of the insole 10 and is configured toallow the toe-section 19 of the insole 10 to extend in at least onedirection, such as in two directions, when pressure is applied on thetoe-section. How many, and which directions it can extend in, depends onthe auxetic cutting pattern.

Furthermore, the heel section 6 of the insole 10 has an indentation 21with a circular or elliptical cross-section.

Reference is made to FIG. 5, illustrating an outsole 17 of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5A illustrated a bottom view of the outsole 17, while FIG. 5B andFIG. 5C shows a side view according to two different embodiments of thepresent invention, without and with a plateau 22 respectively.

The outsole 17 is configured to be arranged on the lower surface 3 ofthe constructive sole 2, covering it fully. The forefoot section 5 ofthe outsole 17 comprises auxetic cutting 18. Importantly, such auxeticcutting should be identical or at least close to identical to theauxetic cutting 18 in the insole 10 of the high heeled shoe 1. Theauxetic cutting 18 in the outsole 17 allows the toe-section 19 of theoutsole 17 to extend in at least one direction, such as in twodirections, when pressure is applied on the toe-section 19. How many,and which directions it can extend in, depends on the auxetic cuttingpattern.

FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of an outsole 17 further comprising aplateau 22 arranged of a lower surface of the forefoot section 5,wherein the plateau 22 and the outsole 17 both comprise auxetic cutting.

Most high heeled shoes have a pointed or at least rounded forefootsection to make the shoe look smaller and give it a feminine look.Reference is made to FIG. 6A, illustrating a top view of an outline ofthe shape of a pointed high heeled shoe 1 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 6B illustrates a top view of a standardshape of a pointed high heeled shoe.

A longitudinal axis 20 extends through the high heeled shoe 1, such thatthe heel section 6 and the arch section 7 of the high heeled shoe 1 isdivided into two substantially symmetrical parts by the longitudinalaxis 20.

Three transverse lines cross the longitudinal axis and divide the highheeled shoe into four sections: a heel section 6, an arch section 7 anda forefoot section 5 comprising a toe-section 19. The toe section 19comprises two outer edges 25, 26.

In FIG. 6B, the two outer edges 25, 26 of the toe-section 19 both extendtowards the longitudinal axis 20. One outer edge 26 crosses thelongitudinal axis 20 and meet with the other outer edge in a pointed tip27. In normal high heeled shoes, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 6B,the outer edge of the forefoot section always to some extent bendstowards the longitudinal axis to meet with the other outer edge of theforefoot section, which also extends towards the longitudinal axis.Normally, at least one of these lines extends across the longitudinalaxis, such that they meet in a pointed end which is not on thelongitudinal axis.

In FIG. 6A, a first outer edge 25 of the toe-section 19 extends in adirection which extends away from the longitudinal axis 20 and a secondouter edge 26 extend towards the longitudinal axis 20. The second outeredge 26 further extends across the longitudinal axis 20 to meet with thefirst outer edge 25 and form a pointed tip 27. In some embodiments, thefirst outer edge 25 is not extending away from, but is parallel with thelongitudinal axis 20.

FIG. 6 shows an outline of a left high heeled shoe 1 and therefore thefirst outer edge 25 is to the right. However, in a right high heeledshoe 1, the first outer edge 25 would be to the left. As a general rule,the first outer edge 25 is the edge configured to be closest to the bigtoe of a user.

The shape illustrated in FIG. 6A is recurring for almost all elements ofthe high heeled shoe of the present invention, including theconstructive sole 2, the insole 10, the outsole 17, the upper part 9 andthe plateau 22.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with thespecified embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any waylimited to the presented examples. The scope of the present invention isset out by the accompanying claim set. In the context of the claims, theterms “comprising” or “comprises” do not exclude other possible elementsor steps. Also, the mentioning of references such as “a” or “an” etc.should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of referencesigns in the claims with respect to elements indicated in the figuresshall also not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.Furthermore, individual features mentioned in different claims, maypossibly be advantageously combined, and the mentioning of thesefeatures in different claims does not exclude that a combination offeatures is not possible and advantageous.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS USED

-   -   1 High heeled shoe    -   2 constructive sole    -   3 lower surface of constructive sole, insole, outsole or plateau    -   4 upper surface of constructive sole, insole, outsole or plateau    -   5 forefoot section    -   6 heel section    -   7 arch section    -   8 heel    -   9 upper part    -   10 insole    -   11 first auxetic area    -   12 second auxetic area    -   13 third auxetic area    -   14 first layer of insole    -   15 second layer of insole    -   16 third layer of insole    -   17 outsole    -   18 auxetic cutting    -   19 toe-section    -   20 longitudinal axis    -   21 indentation    -   22 Plateau    -   23 first pillow-like area    -   24 second pillow-like area    -   25 first outer edge    -   26 second outer edge    -   27 pointed tip    -   28 joined auxetic area

1-10. (canceled)
 11. A high heeled shoe having a forefoot section, anarch section and a heel section, the high heeled shoe comprising aconstructive sole, an upper part, attached to the constructive sole suchthat the upper part and the constructive sole together form an enclosureconfigured to receive and hold a foot in a specific configuration; aheel, directly or indirectly attached to a lower surface of a heelsection of the constructive sole; and an insole comprising auxeticmaterial
 12. A high heeled shoe according to claim 11, wherein theinsole comprises pillow-like areas protruding from the insole, thepillow-like areas comprising: a first pillow-like area arranged on anupper surface of a forefoot section of the insole, shaped such that itis configured to support an area between metatarsal bones and phalangesof a foot; and/or a second pillow-like area arranged on an upper surfaceof an arch section of the insole, shaped such that it is configured tosupport the metatarsal pad of the foot and lift it slightly in thatarea, to direct the weight of a user from the forefoot section towardsthe heel section; wherein the maximum height of each pillow-like areafrom the upper surface of the insole is at most 1.0 cm, such as 0.5 cm,such as 0.3 cm.
 13. A high heeled shoe according to claim 11, whereinthe insole comprises several layers, including at least a first layerand a second layer, wherein the first layer of the insole is configuredto cover the whole upper surface of the constructive sole, but onlycomprises auxetic material at one or more auxetic areas and theremaining of the first layer comprises or consists of another material;the second layer is arranged on top of the first layer and is made froma material, such as leather, having a thickness of less than 0.2 cm,such as 0.1 cm
 14. A high heeled shoe according to claim 11, wherein theinsole comprises auxetic material at one or more specific areas, whereinsuch one or more specific areas include: a first auxetic area arrangedat an upper surface of a forefoot section of the constructive sole suchthat it is configured to support an area between metatarsal bones andphalanges of a foot; and/or a second auxetic area arranged at an uppersurface of an arch section of the constructive sole such that it isconfigured to support the metatarsal pad of the foot; and/or a thirdauxetic area arranged at an upper surface of an heel section of theconstructive sole, having a circular or elliptical shape and configuredto support a heel of a user.
 15. A high heeled shoe according to claim14, wherein the first auxetic area comprises the first pillow-like area;and/or the second auxetic area comprises the second pillow-like area.16. A high heeled shoe according to claim 14, wherein the first auxeticarea and the second auxetic area are joined to form a joined auxeticarea or the first auxetic area, the second auxetic area and the thirdauxetic area are joined to form a joined auxetic area.
 17. A high heeledshoe according to claim 11, wherein the insole further comprises auxeticcutting in a toe-section of the forefoot section, the auxetic cuttingextending through all layers of the insole and being configured to allowthe toe-section of the insole to expand in at least one direction, suchas in two directions, when pressure is applied on the toe-section.
 18. Ahigh heeled shoe according to claim 11, wherein the heel section of theinsole has an indentation with a circular or elliptical cross-section,wherein the indentation has a maximum depth of 0.2-0.8 cm, a smallestdiameter between 3-5 cm and a largest diameter between 4-7 cm
 19. A highheeled shoe according to claim 11, wherein the high heeled shoe furthercomprises an outsole arranged on the lower surface of the constructivesole, covering it either partly or fully, and wherein a forefoot sectionof the outsole comprises auxetic cutting identical to the auxeticcutting of the insole, and being configured to allow the toe-section ofthe outsole to expand in at least one direction, such as in twodirections, when pressure is applied on the toe-section.
 20. A highheeled shoe according to claim 11, wherein a longitudinal axis extendthrough the constructive sole, such that the heel section and the archsection of the constructive sole is divided into two substantiallysymmetrical parts by the longitudinal axis, wherein at least part of afirst outer edge of the toe-section of the constructive sole extends ina direction which is parallel with or extends away from the longitudinalaxis and at least part of a second outer edge extend towards thelongitudinal axis and across the longitudinal axis to meet with thefirst outer edge to form a pointed tip, wherein the first outer edge isthe outer edge configured to be closest to the big toe.